Musschia wollastonii

Not truly a tropical, but I have just received seed from a member of another forum of this native to Madeira.

Has anyone on here grown Musschia wollastonii? Any tips/advice appreciated!

A few pics of what I'm aiming for. I have seed for both dark and light forms................






I've started a pinch of the dark seed on damp paper towel in the back room window.

 

Never heard of it, looks quite impressive.

 

Certainly interesting. It's a biennial, so poses a bit of a challenge.

 

Dont know why but it reminds me of Michauxia.

 

A plant that I have no experience of................

Must admit that I was drawn to it as I like the way that the reproductive organs are rather like those of the Tricyrtis in the way that they are exposed above the petals.

 

Good news - I have germination!

 

Update;

After about ten days I had a high rate of germination. I took great care to acclimatise the potting on medium to the same spot in the room and potted on. I got a 100% mortality rate! I can only assume that the microscopic roots penetrated the paper towel.
So I did another pinch on a fine seed compost. Germination has been slower, but after six weeks they are germinating freely. Hopefully the traditional method of germination will result in lower losses come potting on time.

 

Here is one of my plants a year on...............


One thing that I have learnt is that the roots are very sensitive as I lost a lot due to clumsy pricking out.

 

Here is one of my plants a year on...............


One thing that I have learnt is that the roots are very sensitive as I lost a lot due to clumsy pricking out.